Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski arrives to fight with Brazil’s Diego Lopes during the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 325 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on February 1, 2026. (Photo by Steven MARKHAM / AFP via Getty Images) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —

Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski. Few fighters live up to their moniker the way Alexander Volkanovski does. Volkanovski defeated Diego Lopes via unanimous decision in their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 325. Saturday was a historic victory for Volkanovski, who tied Jose Aldo for the most title fight wins in UFC featherweight history with eight. We have known Volkanovski as a great fighter for many years. Former pound-for-pound number one, the oldest man to become champion in the lower weight classes, two-time featherweight champion, second most title defenses at featherweight (6), the list goes on. However, Volkanovski’s comments at his UFC 325 post-fight press conference further displayed why he lives up to the name Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski.

Volkanovsi’s Responsibility as Champion.

The UFC’s matchmaking has been criticized by some fighters, media, and hardcore fans who are upset at the prospect of the UFC pushing entertaining fighters rather than the most deserving contender. Yet Volkanovski does not care if his next opponent is a draw; he cares if they’re the best, and he is willing to advocate for a fight with the best contenders.

Look, I feel bad enough that there are guys who deserve it that have to wait, even though they’re eventually going to get it, Do I keep making them wait? I’ve got a responsibility as a champion. I don’t think enough champions look at it that way. For me, it’s a responsibility. There are rankings for a reason and people who deserve it. If someone does get it in, I’ll stay active to give others a chance, so they don’t have to wait, but if I’m just letting people cut the line, I’m not really doing my part.” Volkanovski told reporters at his UFC 325 post-fight press conference.

It is no secret that the UFC has recently emphasized more fan-friendly matchups. Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett fought at UFC 324 for the interim lightweight championship, snubbing the rightful #1 contender Arman Tsarukyan from the opportunity. At UFC 325, Diego Lopes was granted a second opportunity to fight for the belt, despite many in the MMA community arguing that Mosvar Evloev and Lerone Murphy were more deserving contenders. Murphy, 35, is 17-0-1 in his MMA career while Evloev, 31, is 19-0. Unfortunately, neither fighter has been viewed as an exciting or entertaining option for a title fight. Evloev and Murphy have fought 12 times combined since 2021, with Murphy’s first-round knockout of Aaron Pico being the only victory via finish by the featherweight division’s two top contenders.

My Thoughts

Personally, I do not mind the UFC’s matchmaking. The new Media Rights deal with Paramount is an excellent opportunity to grow the sport. With Paramount, there is an opportunity to gain new fans for the sport, as it offers a more affordable, subscription-based platform without Pay-Per-View. I believe Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett and Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes were excellent, fan-friendly fights that helped attract new fans to MMA. Nonetheless, it has not been fair to deserving fighters such as Arman Tsarukyan, Mosvar Evloev, and Lerone Murphy. Volkanovski’s comments about being an active champion and the responsibility to fight the worthiest contenders are admirable and demonstrate why he is the perfect champion.

Volkanovski is on a quest for greatness and he knows that to be the best, he needs to fight the best. The fame, the money, the glory have not changed him. He has been consistent throughout his career in chasing greatness, being humble and down to earth, and willing to fight anyone, any time, anywhere with no excuses, even if it costs him. Which is why he lives up the moniker Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski.